Page 69 - MetalForming October 2013

role as quality systems and six sigma manager, Tazegul delivered significant improvements to the overall opera- tion of the Waterloo plant as industri- al engineering supervisor. As noted in her STEP Award biography page, she oversaw projects that expanded production capacity by more than 30 percent.
Now, as quality systems and six sigma manger, she describes her three primary responsibilities as:
• Overseeing quality systems and ISO certification
• Managing quality planning for new product launches
• Guiding the development of six- sigma projects to improve overall plant efficiency.
With a dozen direct reports, Tazegul stresses the importance, in addition to being a creative thinker, of being a rela- tionship builder.
“Women are collaborators, nurtur- ers and listeners,” she says. “Manufac- turers—all employers in fact—need
these traits in their managers, and would benefit from moving women into leadership roles. I truly believe that when we put our ‘team-thinking’ hat on and when we collaborate, we always will find solutions to problems that are richer and better than if we try to develop solutions on our own.”
Mentoring a Two-Way Street
Like Farrer and Dressler, mentor- ing has played a vital role in Tazegul’s professional and personal develop- ment. And not only does she continue to be mentored even at this stage in her career, she now also serves as a mentor to women working in manufacturing.
“I’ve always had great mentors to whom I could turn and look up to,” she says, “and now I seek to mentor other women at Deere. But even with the invaluable input from my men- tors, I’ve always felt responsible for ultimately figuring out what was best for me. Others are willing to help, but in the end I tell the women I
mentor that they have to weigh what others say and make decisions for themselves.
“Female managers can be great role models for young women,” Tazegul continues. “Look up to them, learn how they have managed to accomplish their goals, personally and professionally, and seek their advice. Then be diligent about taking the steps necessary to reach your full potential.”
Her final advice to young women working in manufacturing, such as Dressler, looking to craft a long, suc- cessful and rewarding career:
“Keep an open mind, focus on and learn from the successes of other women, and chase your dreams. Learn that you’re not alone—there are men- tors out there ready and willing to pro- vide guidance. Reach out, learn and create your own support group. And don’t be afraid to become known as a collaborator—we need more collabo- rators on the front lines of manufac- turing.” MF
I WAS BORN TO DO THIS! – NOW WBE CERTIFIED –
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{Going places.}
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www.metalformingmagazine.com
MetalForming/October 2013 67
We recognize that the journey to leadership is unique and personal, but that all companies benefit when everyone has the opportunity to lead. Paving the way for women to step into senior roles helps create
Learn more about Plante Moran’s Women in Leadership initiative at our website under the “About” section.
plantemoran.com